Hugh Freeze shares excitement for Auburn running backs if Jarquez Hunter cannot play

Auburn’s rushing attack is a bit of a question mark coming into this season. Part of that is because of the loss of Tank Bigsby after three years and the unknown status of Jarquez Hunter heading into the fall.

Still, Hugh Freeze knows that they’ll have enough at that position to make things happen. In a press conference this week, he named two new players, one freshman and one transfer, who will make a difference for them on the ground come kickoff.

“I love our running back room this spring,” said Freeze. “I’m excited about adding (Jeremiah) Cobb and (Brian) Battie. We’ve got good players there.”

Cobb joins the Tigers as a four-star prospect in 2023 according to On3’s Industry Rankings. He finished as a Top-150 prospect in his class as well as a Top-10 RB in the cycle.

On the other hand, Battie arrives at Auburn with more of a resume after three seasons at USF. In 2022, he had his best year yet with 1,186 rushing yards and eight scores on 176 carries for the Bulls.

However, another underclassman is stepping up as a voice in that room with Freeze naming sophomore Damari Alston. His impact has been felt throughout the locker room which says a lot considering it’s coming from a second-year player who was a reserve last season and who only has 14 carries to his name.

“I think Damari (Alston) has been one of the best leaders on our team this entire summer and spring. We’re excited about his leadership in that room.”

Hunter’s matter may still not be resolved for the foreseeable future. Even so, Freeze has some peace of mind considering the other options that he has to tote the rock.

Freeze says Jarquez Hunter’s status ‘will not be discussed publicly’

Back in May, Auburn running back Jarquez Hunter came under some hot water over an inappropriate video featuring himself. Since then, there’s been very little public comment on Hunter or his situation and that trend continued to start this month. At a recent media availability, new Tiger head coach Hugh Freeze was asked again about Hunter and his status. To which Freeze gave another tight-lipped response:

“I’ll say this again. I understand the question. But matters related to team rules and procedures…they are handled internally and will not be discussed publicly,” said Freeze.

So there you have it. Less than a month out from the start of the year and Auburn RB Jarquez Hunter’s status is still completely unknown to fans and media